Definition of tortoiseshell
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: the mottled horny substance of the shell of the hawksbill turtle used especially formerly in inlaying and in making various ornamental articles
2
or tortoiseshell butterfly
: any of several showy nymphalid butterflies (genera Nymphalis and Aglais) that have wings mottled with orange and brown or black
tortoiseshell
adjectiveDefinition of tortoiseshell (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: made of or resembling tortoiseshell especially in mottled brown and yellow coloring
tortoiseshell glasses
2
: of, relating to, or being a color pattern of the domestic cat consisting of patches of black, orange, and cream
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for tortoiseshell
The first known use of tortoiseshell was in 1632
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